Friday, 14 February 2014

Frugal February | Getting into a Fitness Routine

With January safely out of the way, now is a pretty good time for taking a look back at New Year’s resolutions and how well they are holding up. It can be so easy to forget all about resolutions and incorporating them into your plans for the year once it gets to February, and let’s face it, even easier once it gets to March!

One of my biggest resolutions for this year is to get into the best shape of my life and get back into running regularly. If like me you’re struggling to find the motivation in the freezing wintery weather, here are some steps to get you into the swing of it:

Think goals, not resolutions
Just saying ‘I want to get fitter’ or ‘I want to run more’ is great but all too easy to brush to one side when real life is going on. A much more productive approach is to break it down into manageable goals such as ‘I will run three times a week.’ Having a goal means you have a task to do and having a task means you’ll be working towards your goal!

Create a schedule you’ll want to stick to
Setting a realistic schedule is vital. Be careful not to overwhelm yourself or you’ll crash and burn; be overly ambitious and you’ll only feel disappointed in yourself. Think about your current schedule and other commitments. How many times a week can you realistically make time to go for a run? It’s just as important to account for rest days as it is running day so be sure to include these. Also think about what time will work for you. If you hate mornings, plan an evening run. If you’re able to get up bright and early feeling fresh (lucky you!), a morning run will be perfect for you.

Have something to work towards
Keep yourself motivated by having a target in sight. If you want to get fitter, a run is a great way to test how far you’ve come. Sign up for a 10K, be it sponsored or for fun – if you’re new to it then maybe a 5K, if you’re a more seasoned runner you could step up your game with a half-marathon or marathon. Looking ahead to a run is also a great guide for working out your schedule. There are plenty of training plans you can find online, like those created by Wynsors & UK Outdoor Fitness or the NHS Couch to 5K.

Invest in workout wear you want to wear
Proper footwear, a supportive sports bra and water bottle should all be a given, but having workout clothes you feel comfortable in can make a big difference to how confident you feel. Whether you’re running at the gym or outdoors, choose clothes you don’t mind being seen in. Worried about your bum? Choose a longer top. Worried about your legs? Opt for full length leggings. Even something as simple as picking an item in your favourite colour can give you a boost.

Remember the beauty benefits
Running isn’t just a good way to get in shape; it’s also good for you in a lot of other ways. Firstly, running is good for your skin – great news for us beauty addicts! By increasing the blood flow, your skin is supplied with more oxygen which nourishes it and cleanses from the inside. Believe it or not sweat is actually good for your skin too. Pores open up expelling toxins much like a mini facial! Be sure to wash your face well afterwards though so the bad bits don’t work their way back in and give you the opposite effect.

Remember the life benefits
Running reduces stress, helps you to sleep better, increases energy and boosts the immune system. What are you waiting for!?

Surprisingly I've been going strong with my resolution to be healthier and fitter. I do want to start running, but first I'll have to go work out clothes shopping! Right now I do jump rope which is so amazing too if you don't want to go outside or as a night time workout. It improves agility so much.

There are some great fitness classes available where I work and I've been getting involved in them more often now. I did yoga yesterday and next week and starting cycling. I'm so excited!xxCelina | The Celution | Bloglovin’

I have been sticking to walking or cycling a couple times a week! At the moment I'm thinking to get rid of my gym membership because basically I haven't been and I don't think I will! However I do yoga and dancing 4 times a week so I don't think the gym is really that beneficial for me!

However my downfall is the eating part, I do eat relatively but I constantly snack on bad foods even when I'm not hungry ugh! I'm working on it though :)XxMadeleine | Madeleine in Wonderland